South African motorists are still on track for lower fuel prices in August, although the expected relief has started to shrink as rising tensions in the Middle East push global oil prices higher.
Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicates that petrol prices are still expected to decrease when the next monthly fuel price adjustment takes effect on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. However, recent increases in Brent crude oil prices have reduced some of the earlier gains.
Expected August fuel price changes
Current mid-month projections indicate the following adjustments:
| Fuel type | July price | Expected change | Expected August price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inland 93 Petrol | R25.94/litre | Decrease of R1.30 | R24.64/litre |
| Inland 95 Petrol | R26.10/litre | Decrease of R1.26 | R24.84/litre |
| Coastal 95 Petrol | R25.23/litre | Decrease of R1.26 | R23.97/litre |
| Inland Diesel 0.05% | R24.78/litre | Decrease of R0.47 | R24.31/litre |
| Inland Diesel 0.005% | R25.67/litre | Decrease of R0.74 | R24.93/litre |
These figures remain projections and are based on the CEF’s mid-month snapshot. The final adjustments will depend on market movements for the rest of July.
Oil prices trim earlier gains
Earlier declines in global crude oil prices, together with a stronger rand, created a healthy over-recovery that pointed to sizeable fuel price cuts.
That position has weakened after fresh military action and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed Brent crude oil back to around US$85 a barrel. The higher oil price is reducing the expected fuel price decreases as the month progresses.
Rand continues to provide support
The South African rand has remained relatively firm, trading around the R16.30 to R16.40 range against the US dollar.
The stronger currency continues to offset some of the pressure created by higher international oil prices.
Fuel levy back at full rate
The temporary National Treasury fuel tax relief has ended, with the General Fuel Levy returning to its full rate of R4.10 per litre for petrol.
As a result, local fuel prices are once again more exposed to movements in international oil markets and the exchange rate.
Final prices still to be confirmed
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the official fuel price adjustments closer to the end of July before the new prices take effect on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
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